Sometimes when life get difficult, thoughts about suicide can creep up on us. When these times occur, it is important to remember that while all the emotions, pain and thoughts can feel overwhelming, that they can and will subside. I should know, I have been there. When I had my suicidal episode, I thought that these feelings would never go away; however, I made it through and things are much better after the storm.
Here are some things to hold onto during these times:
1. These feelings and thoughts are temporary
Sometimes life can push you so far down, that you may not think that it will get better ever again. It may seem like these thoughts will go on forever and ever. However, that is your mind playing tricks on you. There is story after story after story – including mine – where these feelings will eventually subside.
2. Even hopeless situations have solutions
Often when we are feeling suicidal, it seems like there is no solution to our problem. However, again this is our mind playing tricks on us. In the same way we can’t see when we’re going when we’re blindfolded, we can’t think clearly when we’re under distress. If you are able to go through this episode, then the chances are much higher that you will be able to work through the situation with some help.
3. You will be missed
I know it feels lonely right now, but losing you will cause unspeakable anguish and grief in those who care for you. Just because we feel like no one cares, it does not mean that this is the case. It may be that our mind is playing tricks on us, or they may not be able to express it in the best way. Losing you may cause the people you love to end up in a similar situation.
Sometimes life can push you so far down, that you may not think that it will get better ever again. It may seem like these thoughts will go on forever and ever. However, that is your mind playing tricks on you. There is story after story after story – including mine – where these feelings will eventually subside.
Often when we are feeling suicidal, it seems like there is no solution to our problem. However, again this is our mind playing tricks on us. In the same way we can’t see when we’re going when we’re blindfolded, we can’t think clearly when we’re under distress. If you are able to go through this episode, then the chances are much higher that you will be able to work through the situation with some help.
I know it feels lonely right now, but losing you will cause unspeakable anguish and grief in those who care for you. Just because we feel like no one cares, it does not mean that this is the case. It may be that our mind is playing tricks on us, or they may not be able to express it in the best way. Losing you may cause the people you love to end up in a similar situation.
If you are feeling suicidal, here are things you can do right now:
- Take slow deep breaths for one minute and focus on your breathing.
- Meet your needs and distract yourself. If you are thirsty, have a drink, if you are hungry, eat a meal, take a shower or wash your hands. Do something you enjoy.
- Avoid drugs or alcohol. Even though you think alcohol and drugs may numb the pain, most of the time they make it worse and put you at higher risk.
- Call or text someone you know. Talking to someone we trust can do greatly in helping us manage these thoughts; if you can, share about what you’re feeling. Don’t feel like you’re a nuisance, trust me – they’d much prefer you contact them repeatedly than see you gone. Be direct, don’t use terms such as ‘I want to disappear’ or ‘I am done’, but tell them ‘I am thinking about suicide’.
- Make your home safe. Remove anything that you can use to harm yourself. Put them away, or give them to a friend. Throw them away if you need to.
- Complete the safety plan below. A safety plan will help keep you safe.
- Take slow deep breaths for one minute and focus on your breathing.
- Meet your needs and distract yourself. If you are thirsty, have a drink, if you are hungry, eat a meal, take a shower or wash your hands. Do something you enjoy.
- Avoid drugs or alcohol.
- Call or text someone you know, and tell them what you are feeling.
- Make your home safe. Remove anything that you can use to harm yourself. Put them away, or give them to a friend. Throw them away if you need to.
- Find a psychologist using this link below through the Clinical Psychologist Association or book at psychologist at a nearby healthcare facility (Puskesmas) :
Find a Psychologist Find a Puskesmas - You can do text counselling through our partner, Ibunda.id.
Chat Counseling - Call a mental health hotline at 119 ext. 8, from our partners at HIMPSI.
- Keep yourself safe during dark times with the safety plan below.
Make a safety plan - Take care of yourself by making a self-care plan to manage stress.
Make a self care plan
- You can try meditation with an app from our partner, Riliv.
Meditation app